Bees News

Paris -
About 1.4 billion jobs and three-quarters of all crops depend on pollinators, researchers said Monday warning of a dire threat to human welfare if the falls in bee and butterfly numbers are not halted.

Bee populations are in decline globally. There are several reasons: pesticides, habitat loss, mite infestation and viruses. New research has focused on a pathogen called deformed wing virus, and offers some hope.

Further troubling news for bees, and with it worrying news for agriculture, with seven new species of bee being declared at risk in the U.S. The bees have been placed on the list of endangered species.

Lille -
Urban rooftops are buzzing across France, but the fad for beekeeping from Montpellier to Lille to Paris -- including atop AFP's headquarters -- will do little do reverse declining bee populations, experts say.

New York -
It's very hot weather so it's natural to seek air conditioning. Bees, it has recently been revealed, have a natural way to keep cool. Some bees have been observed spitting water at each other.

A new campaign, focused on protecting bees in the U.S., has been launched. Called ‘Keep the Hives Alive Tour’, the June 2016 initiative is focused raising awareness about the plight of mass bee die-offs and other pollinators.

Cape Town -
Researchers have discovered an isolated population of honeybees in South Africa that appear capable to asexual reproduction. To get to the bottom of this, the genomes of the bees have been sequenced and with it the mystery is revealed.

Bern -
Poor queen health is one reason for the collapse of bee colonies around the world, and the extent of colony collapse disorder is growing. New research shows that honey bee queens are severely affected by two neonicotinoid insecticides.

The greater honeyguide has a name that's slightly misleading, but that's only because it doesn't eat honey. Instead, it prefers the larvae and eggs in a bee hive, and strangely, it is one of the few animals in the world that can live on wax.

Exeter -
A new study links the fall in numbers of wasps and bees to changes to the use of land, especially a decline in the number of green spaces. An environmental group has argued for greater diversification.

London -
As controversy mounts over the U.K.’s decision to allow the limited use of neonic pesticides — troubling new research shows bees are drawn to plants sprayed with the powerful insect-killing chemical.

London -
Despite restrictions throughout Europe, and parts of Canada, the U.K. Conservative government has lifted the ban on neonicotinoid pesticides in certain parts of the country. This has raised concerns about the plight of bees.

Around the world bees are at risk from pesticides, environmental conditions and parasite infestations. New research into bee mites suggests we can learn a lot about parasites in general and find ways to protect bee colonies.

A Mississippi State University Extension Service apiculture specialist has challenged the assumption that the indiscriminate use of pesticides is responsible for the decline in bee populations. This theory is mites.

We're continually finding out new things about the animal world. This week three fascinating facts emerged about the animal kingdom, pertaining to bees, kangaroos and baboons. Digital Journal finds out more.

Toronto -
Ontario has issued a new regulation aimed at reducing the use of seeds treated with neonicotinoid pesticides. This type of nicotine-formulated pesticides is connected with the decline of bees.